Richard Bruton
Question:1026. Deputy Richard Bruton asked the Minister for Social Protection the support available to people affected by flooding who do not have insurance. [38283/23]
View answerMonday, 11 September 2023
Questions (1026)
Written answers
The Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage is the lead Department for severe weather emergencies. My Department provides assistance to eligible households in the immediate aftermath of emergency weather events under the humanitarian assistance scheme.
The humanitarian assistance scheme, administered by the local Community Welfare Service (CWS), was activated to assist any householders affected by recent weather events, including Storm Antoni and Storm Betty. This scheme is open to those affected by these weather events to apply for assistance.
The purpose of the humanitarian assistance scheme is to provide income- tested financial support to people whose homes are damaged and who are not able to meet costs for essential needs, household items and, in some instances, structural repair.
• Assistance is not available under the scheme for losses which are already covered by insurance.
• The scheme does not cover commercial, agricultural, or business losses.
• Any additional properties that are not occupied and lived in as the applicant’s primary residence are not covered.
The income test for humanitarian assistance is more generous than that which applies in the case of social welfare schemes generally. For example, a family consisting of a couple and two children with a gross household income of €70,000 or less will receive 100% of the amount allowable in respect of their application. A reduced or tapered level of support can be provided in cases where such families have income more than €70,000.
If any homeowner affected by the recent weather events, such as Storm Antoni and Betty, needs to access these supports, they can contact the Community Welfare Service by phoning 0818 60 70 80.
I trust this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.